Nike Designer Aaron Cooper Reveals Unreleased Outdoor Basketball Shoe From 1997

In the dynamic world of sneaker culture, where innovation meets tradition and form merges with function, a select few have left an indelible mark on its landscape. With their unparalleled vision and craftsmanship, these individuals have crafted chapters of history with every design. Amidst these pioneers, Aaron Cooper emerged as a contributor and a beacon. With a design philosophy that bridges the old with the new and the subtle with the bold, Cooper's illustrious association with Nike has birthed iconic creations that have redefined the very essence of footwear.

With over two decades of groundbreaking designs for icons like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Serena Williams, Cooper's legacy with Nike is vast and awe-inspiring. But even within such a storied career, gems remain that never saw the light of day – like the insect-inspired outdoor basketball shoe.

With every Sunday as a flashback into Cooper's creative archives on Instagram, sneaker enthusiasts and design aficionados get a treat. From memories of the ACG Ruckel Ridge to the revered Air Pippen 1, this week he pulls back the curtain on a model sparked by the intriguing idea of a beetle's shell - both nimble yet incredibly robust. Born in February 1997, the sketches echoed Nike's fresh outdoor mantra, “Live, Breathe, Sleep.” It's a salute to those basketball warriors who, day after day, left everything on the unforgiving concrete courts.

Designed as the ultimate outdoor battle gear, this shoe incorporated Nike's sturdiest rubber compound. Perhaps most surprising was the introduction of Kevlar, wrapping around the midsole, a testament to its durability. A well-ventilated wear was guaranteed with the inclusion of thick rope laces, poly mesh lining, and abundant perforations on the robust “Comfort E” full-grain leather upper.

Diving deeper into the aesthetics, the shoe's design waves the flag of the '90s. During this decade, Nike was in a love affair with hefty silhouettes and the ever-enticing visible Max Air cushioning - both elements evident in this design. Nestled alongside the Max Air is the covert pocket of Zoom in the forefoot. And in true '90s fashion, the jewel swoosh - akin to styles like the Lambaste 2 and Air Alonzo - is prominently featured.

For those who appreciate the art of footwear design, Cooper's sketches provide a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been a $110 retail marvel. As we savor this unreleased gem, the anticipation builds for the next chapter in Cooper's "Sneaker Story Sunday" series.